Hartland High School's Football Coach Resigns

Marcus Dukes — Hartland High School's head football coach who once led the Eagles on their deepest playoff run in school history — has resigned, the Hartland Athletic Department announced Monday.

Dukes, a special education and history teacher at , said he stepped down from coaching to spend more time with his wife and two daughters, 4 and 7. He said coaching in addition to teaching was made even more difficult with 90 minutes of driving daily already from his home in Livonia.

"That's one of the biggest hurdles," said Dukes, referring to the commute. "Sometimes you have to make tough choices."

Hartland Athletic Director Jason Reck said Dukes' strength is character, so the decision from the former Howell High School and Alma College football player fits who he is.

"It takes a lot to give up something you love for the betterment of a family," Reck said. "He didn't do (coaching) for ego. I've never met a coach that was more selfless."

Reck also said Dukes would have been on the sidelines next year despite rancor from some fans who in comments on Hartland Patch after the Eagles (4-5) were eliminated from any chance making the playoffs. Others supported his performance.

"We were very much committed to Coach Dukes as our football coach," Reck said. "He's a high-character person and a very good football coach. … We thought the coach would be here a long time."

Dukes also denied the criticism played a factor in his decision to quit.

Reck said there's no timetable yet on filling the job.

Dukes was 29-29 in his six years as coach. He had two playoff-qualifying teams in 2010 and 2008. After a surprising playoff run, the to Holt 41-16 while his 2008 team went 9-3 including winning a district title 34-23 over Howell before before losing 24-8 to Rockford in the regional final, according to HartlandFootball.com.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dukes said there were ups and downs but added the program was making strides. He said this year many of the games were close.

"They ended on a high note (with two wins) and hopefully they can carry it on next season," he said.

He said this season was enjoyable working with the players grow in knowledge and character throughout the season, adding that's more important than wins and losses.

"Did you do things the right way on character, class? … I'd like to think we did those things," he said.